Modern steel construction – Steel has established itself as the epitome of construction and engineering material. Everything that we see and use in our everyday life involves steel, for instance, cars, machines, ships, skyscrapers, and so on.
In today’s world steel is the most extensively used construction steel material. This is because it binds brilliantly with concrete and ensures protection against catastrophes like earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. thus safeguarding communities and lives from constantly changing climate.
Did you know?
There are more than 3500 different grades of steel depending upon the amount of carbon, alloy processing, and other physical and chemical properties. More than 75% of present modern steel was developed in the past 20 years.
Some Common Types of Steel Used for Constructing Buildings
MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION – REBAR STEEL
Bars reinforcing modern steel a.k.a Rebar Steel or fortifying steel is utilized to strengthen concrete or masonry structures. They are used as a reinforcing device to strengthen concrete under tension. Concrete though strong steel has weak tensile strength.
These bars have deformed or patterned surfaces that help advance the bond with concrete. It holds the solid into pressure, and it is available in different grades, which are generally found in varying specifications in yield, strength, elasticity, chemical composition, and elongation percentage.
MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION – STRUCTURAL STEEL
Structural steel is the construction material steel i.e. it’s employed in making construction materials. It is graded into various shapes, compositions, strengths, storage, and size. It is wielded as a reinforcement tool for the low tensile strength and ductility of concrete. There are many types of structural steel shapes, like:-
- Flat Sections
- Hollow Sections
- Universal Beam
- Parallel Flange Channels
MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION – MILD STEEL
Mild steel is an alloy comprising of very little carbon and iron as the other significant element with the least amount of other ingredients. Due to the low amount of carbon in its mild steel is also called ‘low carbon steel’. With its high ductility, weldability and machinability it’s profoundly employed in construction. It’s more affordable than other steels due to the lack of other elements in it. Mild steel is utilized in diverse tools like structural steel, automobiles, fencing, nails, and so on.
Reasons To Use Steel In Construction
Durability & Beauty
Steel expands the design niche for architects offering more options in designs, textures, styles, and shapes. The architects are able to explore ideas as steel is a beautiful concoction of durability, toughness, beauty, and malleability. Steel’s long extending ability gives rise to large open spaces, free from intermediate columns or load-bearing walls. Steel can be bent to a particular radius creating segmented curves free from combinations for facades or domes.
Efficient and Economical
Steel components are easy to use since they’re pre-manufactured and can be quickly assembled at site in any season with minimum labor. It requires fewer points of contact with the earth thus reducing excavation requirements. This results in economical and efficient construction.
Adaptable
In a rapidly changing environment, the functioning of the building also changes, for example, a tenant may want to increase floor loads. Steel structures can easily cater to such changes. Steel framing and floor systems also allow quick access and alterations to existing electrical wiring, computer networking cables and communication systems.
Customized Spacing
Steel provides a cost-effective method for covering long distances. Extended steel bridges can create large, open spaces as per the client’s needs. Since steel is malleable and adaptable it makes the process cost-effective and easy.
Recyclable
Steel, as we know, is highly flexible and malleable. Whenever steel structures are demolished, its components are recycled by industries and reused for other purposes. Steel can be recycled numerous times without loss of properties making it eco-friendly.
Fire Resistance
Steel is a naturally non-combustible material but when heated sufficiently it tends to weaken. Extensive testing of steel structures and works gave a thorough understanding of fire protection requirements resulting in massive fire protection.
Earthquake Resistant
An earthquake is an unpredictable catastrophe. Its magnitude, location, duration, and extent of destruction can’t be predicted. Steel being naturally ductile and flexible flexes under extreme pressure instead of breaking or crushing.
Lightweight & Eco-friendly
Steel is lighter compared to wood or iron. This means it’s easier to carry and work with. Steel is also easily recycled and used by the industries for other purposes, reducing wastage making it environment friendly along with economical.
Conclusion
Construction has become an inevitable and highly important activity in this age of ever-growing population. For developing nations especially, it is vital to undertake construction in the best possible way with the best possible materials available. Steel is a highly recommended material since it’s not only physically strong and easy to work with, owning a variety of options with diverse characteristics but also because of its feasibility both physical and economical.
